About The Event
Navigating the complexities of USAID grants and cooperative agreements is essential for ensuring compliance and maximizing the impact of your projects. This comprehensive workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage USAID-funded projects effectively. Whether you’re new to USAID funding or an experienced professional, this training will guide you through the intricacies of USAID rules and regulations, ensuring that you can confidently manage your awards. Through interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, and expert guidance, you’ll gain the tools needed to maintain donor compliance, build strong relationships with USAID, and implement successful grant or cooperative agreement management strategies.
What You Will Learn
Understand USAID Assistance Awards:
Differentiate between various types of assistance awards under USAID.
Gain familiarity with the applicable rules and regulations for USAID awards.
Navigate USAID Rules and Regulations:
Learn to efficiently navigate the complex landscape of USAID regulations.
Develop the ability to quickly find answers to award-related questions.
Manage USAID-Funded Projects with Confidence:
Understand your roles and responsibilities as a recipient of USAID funding.
Gain confidence in managing your award, from pre-award considerations to close-out procedures.
Ensure Ethical Compliance:
Learn to apply USAID’s ethical standards and manage pre-award certifications.
Develop policies that ensure compliance and avoid unauthorized commitments.
Target Participants
This workshop is ideal for individuals responsible for managing or bidding on USAID grants or cooperative agreements, including:
Program Managers and Coordinators:
Professionals involved in program implementation, compliance, and project management.
Finance and Administrative Staff:
Personnel handling budgeting, financial reporting, and grant compliance.
Independent Auditors and CPAs:
Auditors performing compliance or financial audits within the development sector.
USAID Staff:
Agreement Officers, Agreement Officer’s Representatives, and other USAID personnel.
Course Methodology
Our training is designed to be practical and engaging, with a focus on real-world application. Expert facilitators bring their sector-specific knowledge to create a highly interactive learning environment. Through discussions, group exercises, and hands-on activities, participants will acquire skills that can be immediately applied to their work. Collaborative learning is encouraged to maximize the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Course Agenda
Day 1: Introduction to USAID and Its Regulatory Framework
Welcome and Icebreaker
Overview of USAID and Its Implementing Mechanisms
Understanding Different Types of USAID Awards
Mapping USAID Rules and Regulations
Introduction to the USAID Award Cycle
Day 2: Pre-Award Considerations and Ethical Standards
Detailed Overview of USAID Rules and Regulations
First Phase of the Award Cycle: 2 CFR 200, Subpart C
Organizational Preparation for USAID Funding
Introduction to USAID Ethical Standards
Importance of Ethics in USAID-Funded Projects
Pre-Award Certifications and Assurances
Establishing Compliance Policies
Day 3: USAID Award Structure and Financial Management
Compliance with USAID Ethical Standards: Practical Exercises
USAID Authorization and Award Structure
Roles of AO/AOR and Substantial Involvement
Managing Award Budgets and Layout
Financial Management for USAID Awards
Standards for Financial Systems and Internal Controls
Managing Cost Sharing, Program Income, and Budget Revisions
Day 4: Cost Principles, Procurement, and Audits
Deep Dive into USAID Cost Principles and Indirect Costs
Timekeeping, Time Allocation, and Cost Principles Exercises
Procurement and Property Standards
Eligibility Rules, Restricted Items, and Procurement Policies
Managing Foreign Government-Controlled Organizations
Preparing for Audits and Understanding Audit Requirements
Different Types of Audits and Common Findings
Sub-Award Management and Award Close-Out
Managing Sub-Awards: Roles, Responsibilities, and Compliance
Understanding the Relationship between Prime and Sub-Recipients
Sub-Recipient Monitoring and Reporting
Finalizing USAID Awards: Close-Out Procedures
Developing Close-Out Timelines and Record Retention
Practical Exercises on Award Review and Close-Out
Wrap-Up and Final Plenary Session
Review of Key Concepts and Best Practices
This workshop ensures that participants leave with a strong understanding of USAID rules and regulations, equipped to handle the complexities of managing USAID grants and cooperative agreements with confidence and expertise.
